Daily Devotional for August 18, 2012

Psalm 34:13
Guard your tongue from profanity, and no more lying through your teeth.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

According to information gathered at www.rotary.org, Rotary International is a world-wide (and widely respected) service organization whose mission is…”to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.” I was a member of Rotary International for several years. Like most members, I carried a card in my wallet that outlined the Rotary “4-Way Test”…

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

We would do well to ask ourselves these questions in every area of life. While Rotary International is not purported to be a “Christian” organization, these questions certainly have a “What-would-Jesus-do?” quality to them and serve as a good basis for behaving in a manner that honors our Christian faith and witness.

We are on the threshold of a new school year… a new beginning for many – particularly those under the age of 25. When I was teaching, the end of August held more of a “New Year/Fresh Start” feeling for me than January 1st. So it is fitting that as we approach the “back-to-school” date on the calendar, we renew our determination to speak the truth… to avoid all unkind language (not just profanity)… to seek fairness, goodwill, better friendships…and to make sure that our words and actions are beneficial to all concerned.

Let’s make this our prayer for today and every day. Let’s incorporate the 4-Way Test into our daily Christian discipleship. Ask God to help you make this a great year… and to start it off on the right foot!

©2012 Debbie Robus